“I leave you tonight with a message that Leesburg is in a strong financial and governance position,” Burk said. “We have resisted the impacts of the pandemic and are looking to the future.”

Burk began his speech by inviting other board members to honor local businesses that have pivoted to deliver innovative new services in 2020. Councilor Kari Nacy and Councilors Ara Bagdasarian, Neil Steinberg and Zach Cummings recognized Bowtie Strategies, The Clay and Metal Loft, United States Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy and ARM Consulting, respectively.

“The most brutal success [of the pandemic] was our small businesses, and they have transformed to survive, ”said Burk.

While acknowledging the challenges of 2020, Burk highlighted the ways the city has been successful over the past year, such as the Battlefield / Route 7 Viaduct and the creation of virtual services.

She highlighted the work of the Leesburg Police Department over the past year, from positive interactions with protesters to installing the Emergency Communications Center as a secondary public safety point. With the emergency communications center, she said, residents of Leesburg can now contact Leesburg emergency services directly instead of going through Loudoun County first.

“This is not an easy task. We are very, very proud of it, ”she said.

Burk also touted his new mayor’s office as a victory for Leesburg, saying, “As the largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is exciting as a mayor to finally have an office to do business and create. a welcoming environment for those who wish to meet. with me, ”she said.

For the second half of his speech, Burk addressed the council’s agenda for the coming months.

Infrastructure improvements include reviewing clean energy and environmental programs, creating a strategic economic development plan, digitizing city attorney files, and starting construction of Fort Evans Road and the pedestrian bridge on Route 15.

Leesburg plans to sponsor new community events and revisit the Virginia Main Street program, which provides resources and assistance to communities looking to revitalize their downtown areas.

The adoption of a new town plan and a joint meeting with the county government are also on the agenda this year.

“We’ve been through a lot and done a lot this year, and now we have to look to the future. By continuing to meet the needs and expectations of our residents, we will maintain our high quality of life, ”she said. “I am very honored and proud to say that I am the mayor of Leesburg.”